Design and development of a web-based platform for EEE MSc student orientation

Abstract

Transition is a phase that all students face when they advance from an educational level to the next. Depending on how smooth this transition is, the student’s schooling experience and academic performance will also be influenced. If a student is unable to adapt well to the new environment, they may face difficulties in coping with the extra workload or the increased academic demands.

In Nanyang Technological University (NTU) School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), most of the students who take the Master of Science (MSc) program complete their studies within a year. Due to the shorter nature of candidature of the MSc program, it is difficult for incoming students to get guidance and support from seniors since most of them graduate within a year. Furthermore, many of these students are from abroad, making their transition to university life not only about a change in their educational institute, but also their living environment.

To better assist EEE MSc students transition into their life at NTU and Singapore – for international students, a web-based application is developed to create platforms for students to orientate themselves by connecting with their peers in the same matriculation year, thus effectively forming their own support system in this transitional phase. The main aim of the web application is for students to have cultural exchanges, to explore Singapore, and to engage in school life by forming interest groups with like-minded peers.